COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Flags in Iowa are flying at half-staff to honor a World War II sailor from Iowa killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags on state property lowered Saturday to honor Navy Fireman 1st Class Bert E. McKeeman. The date coincides with a burial service set in Council Bluffs for McKeeman’s remains. McKeeman, of Council Bluffs, was aboard the USS Oklahoma when it was attacked Dec. 4, 1941, by a Japanese bomber. McKeeman was 25. McKeeman’s remains were identified in August and returned to his family. His burial will include full military honors.

The flags are also ordered to half-staff for the next 30-days, by order of the Governor, in remembrance and honor of President George H.W. Bush.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Overnight rain has turned to snow and sleet for most of Nebraska, as well as much of northwestern and central Iowa. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warning Saturday for northern and central Nebraska, as well as a winter weather advisory for much of eastern, southwestern and the western edge of the state. The warning stretched in northwestern Iowa, including Sioux City. The winter advisory in Iowa starts at the west-center border and moves northeast and includes Ames and Marshalltown.

The service also warned of high winds across both states gusting up to 65 mph in parts of Nebraska and up to 50 mph in central and southern parts of Iowa. In areas where it’s snowing, the wind is expected to cut visibility and make driving dangerous.

The service says some areas in central, west-central and north-central Nebraska, including Valentine, could get as much as 14 inches of snow by Sunday evening. Numerous accidents have been reported. Police in Omaha were responding to injury accidents only due to the number of crashes. And, while there have been many accidents in the KJAN listening area, we aren’t aware of any injuries that required an ambulance. Roads at mid-day were partially covered with snow in the immediate area, but completely covered further north and west.

For the latest road conditions, call 511 or go to 511ia.org.

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags at half-staff effective immediately and continuing for 30 days to honor former President George HW Bush. “America lost a great leader with the passing of George HW Bush. A man whose legacy is one of service, statesmanship and values,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Last night, we didn’t just lose a patriot who dedicated his life to serving America, but also a loving husband, father and grandfather who now leaves behind a grieving family.  “Our hearts and our prayers continue to go out to the Bush family,” she continued. “It is my hope that as a nation, we will remember his legacy and as leaders in public service, we will work to meet the standard he set for many years to come.”

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

(Radio Iowa) — The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled those involved in police chases can be required to pay for damage to patrol cars. The City of Davenport sought seven-thousand dollars for damage to patrol cars that resulted from a high-speed chase of Daryl Shears in 2016. Shears had pled guilty to criminal mischief and eluding officers — but argued the damage to the patrol vehicles was not a direct result of his crimes and he should not have to pay restitution. The Iowa Supreme Court acknowledge that providing damages to victims has until fairly recently been a civil — not criminal action. And says there are questions as to whether a government entity can be considered a victim.

But the ruling says a reasonable fact finder could conclude that police would make an effort to apprehend the speeding Shears and that police vehicles could be damaged. It says most of the state and federal case law dealing with police vehicle crashes supports their conclusion

(Radio Iowa) — Many Iowans are spreading holiday cheer with Christmas displays on their property, but possibly the biggest exhibit is in northwest Iowa’s Plymouth County. For 22 years, the Scheitler family has been hosting “Christmas Acres” – a display of 150,000 lights and around 1,300 plastic figurines and sculptures. Rob Scheitler says his favorite part is interacting with all the people. “I try and be out here every night, especially on weekends when it is busy. We’ll have our tables set up at the end of the driveway with all the candy canes for the kids,” Scheitler said. “On weekends when it is busy, I will be out here with three or four other people just to keep handing out candy canes.”

Word of mouth and social media bring more and more people to Christmas Acres each year. It’s located along Highway 3, about seven miles west of Le Mars. A 16-foot-tall inflatable Santa is one of the more popular decorations. “The kids come down the road and they see that big Santa, they’re going ‘wow look at that!’ It’s neat to hear what the kids have to say,” Scheitler said. The attraction often draws tour buses and church groups. Visitors to Christmas Acres can make donations – with all of the money raised going to local charity.

(Story contribution and thanks to Katie Peikes, Iowa Public Radio)